For organizations using a Redgate License Server or central license management:
Transfer the license file securely to the internal license server (which may be on the intranet).
On client machines:
This model scales better for large deployments and avoids repeating offline activations per machine.
If you want, I can:
Guide: Redgate SQL Prompt Offline Activation There are times when the workstation you use for database development is intentionally kept off the grid for security reasons, or perhaps you're working in a high-security environment with a restrictive firewall. Whatever the reason, if you can’t connect to the internet, you can still activate your Redgate SQL Prompt license using the manual offline method.
This guide walks you through the steps to get your tool up and running without an active internet connection. Prerequisites Before starting, ensure you have:
SQL Prompt Installed: The software should already be installed on your offline machine.
A Valid Serial Number: You’ll need the license key provided in your Redgate purchase confirmation email. redgate sql prompt offline activation
A Second Device with Internet Access: You need a way to reach the Redgate activation server (a laptop, smartphone, or another PC) to exchange activation codes. Step-by-Step Offline Activation Process 1. Initiate Activation in SQL Prompt
Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Visual Studio where SQL Prompt is installed. Go to the SQL Prompt menu in the top toolbar. Select Help > Enter Serial Number. Enter your serial number and click Activate. 2. Trigger the "Manual Activation" Mode
Because the machine is offline, the initial activation attempt will fail.
After a moment, SQL Prompt will display an error message stating that it couldn't connect to the activation server.
Look for a link or button that says Activate Manually. Click it. 3. Generate the Request Text
The Manual Activation window will open, showing a block of encrypted XML text (the "Activation Request").
Click Copy to Clipboard or save this text into a .txt file on a USB drive. 4. Use the Redgate Activation Website Now, move to your device that has internet access. Go to the Redgate Manual Activation Page.
Paste the XML text you copied from the offline machine into the text box on the website. Click Activate. 5. Capture the Response Text For organizations using a Redgate License Server or
If your serial number is valid and has available seats, the website will generate a new block of XML text called the "Activation Response."
Copy this response text and move it back to your offline workstation (via USB or manual typing, though copying a file is much safer). 6. Finalize Activation
Return to the Manual Activation window on your offline machine. Paste the Response XML into the empty text box. Click Finish. Troubleshooting Common Issues
"Machine Limit Reached": If you see this error, you may need to log into the Redgate License Management Portal on an internet-connected device to de-activate an old machine before you can activate the new one.
Version Mismatch: Ensure the version of SQL Prompt you have installed matches the version your serial number supports. Perpetual licenses are version-specific.
Copy-Paste Errors: Ensure you copy the entire block of XML, including the tags at the beginning and end. Missing a single character will cause the activation to fail. Why Use Manual Activation?
Manual activation is the standard protocol for air-gapped environments or servers behind strict corporate proxies. It ensures that your productivity isn't hindered by network security policies, allowing you to use features like advanced IntelliSense, code formatting, and refactoring regardless of your connectivity status.
By following these steps, you can maintain a secure environment while still leveraging the full power of Redgate’s SQL development suite. Transfer the license file securely to the internal
Here’s a helpful feature idea for Redgate SQL Prompt that addresses a common pain point with offline activation:
Here is the information regarding the offline activation process for Redgate SQL Prompt.
Note: Redgate products generally require an internet connection to validate the license start date during activation. The "Offline" method is typically used for secured environments that cannot connect to the internet at all, but it requires the manual transfer of files between the server and an internet-connected workstation.
Cause: The offline machine’s system clock is far off from real time, or the response file is mismatched to the machine.
Solution:
For subscription-based licenses, the activation response file contains a "next check" date. If the license is due for renewal, the offline machine will eventually lose functionality or revert to trial mode.
Keep a spreadsheet or internal wiki tracking:
Run the installer normally. At the activation screen, select:
“Activate manually (offline)”
You will see a Machine Identifier – a long string of characters.